Effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of Cucumis melo seeds on hepatic expression of genes encoding NADPH-oxidase and glutathione peroxidase in ethylene glycol-induced toxicity in male rats

In the present study, the effect of hydroanthanolic extract of melon seed on the expression level of NOX4 and GPx1 genes in ethylene glycol poisoned mice was evaluated. In the present study, melon seed extract was first prepared by soaking in 80% ethanol. Mice were divided into 5 groups in each group 6 rat: a healthy control group, a poisoned control group and three experimental poisoned groups. To the experimental poisoned group, concentrations of 150, 300 and 600 mg/ kg of hydroethanolic extract of melon seed were fed orally. The results of the present study show that daily oral administration of ethylene glycol significantly increases the expression of genes encoding NOX4 and GPx1 in toxic groups compared to healthy controls. Increased expression of NOX4 and GPx1 genes indicates the occurrence of ethylene glycol-induced inflammation and toxicity. Treatment with hydroethanolic extract of melon seed at concentrations of 150, 300 and 600 mg / kg body weight significantly reduced the expression of NOX4 and GPx1 genes in the experimental groups compared with the control group. Decreased expression of NOX4 gene in comparison with the poisoned control group shows that administration of hydroethanolic extract of melon seed has reduced inflammation caused by ethylene glycol toxicity. Due to the fact that the amount of H2O2 increases following hepatotoxicity caused by ethylene glycol, the expression of the gene encoding glutathione peroxidase increases. Following treatment with melon hydroethanolic extract, H2O2 production is reduced, which may be due to the effects of antioxidant compounds in the extract.